Debbie Sams: Drill Team Costume Idea — The Backwards Riding Apron

Costume design is a fun aspect of drill team planning. We have a few costumes that we have found to be very versatile. They are based on the pattern below. This design can be useful whether you are going with a wild west, Victorian, or medieval theme. I will talk more about costumes in the future.

Directions
Cut as directed above.

Top

1. At the center of the fold, cut an 8" horizontal slit.
2. At the center of the slit, cut a 6" vertical slit in the front only.
3. Turn over 1/4 inch, and hem the neck.
4. Fold right sides together.
5. Beginning 12" from the fold (leaving room for the armhole), sew a 5/8" seam down both sides.
6. Hem the armholes and the bottom of the top with a 1/4" seam.

Skirt

1. Gather the ruffle.
2. Sew the ruffle around all edges except the top.
3. Gather the top of the skirt as needed, depending on the size of the person to wear the costume.

Belt

1. Center the belt on the skirt with right sides together, and sew it to the skirt.
2. Fold the belt with right sides together, and sew each end together with a 5/8" seam.
3. Turn the belt right side out.
4. Hand-sew the inside of the belt to the skirt.

Debbie teaches English and Western riding with an emphasis on dressage. At her Springer's Stables in Broadalbin, New York, Debbie also teaches drill team and vaulting. Her farm gives pony parties and holds horse camps for scouts and local community college and elementary school youth programs, as well as for the Sacandaga Bible Conference and Retreat Center. She has been teaching drama and drill team on horseback since 1979; in 1985 she became a Certified Horsemanship Association Instructor. She is the author of 101 Drill Team Exercises and has also put her horse knowledge to work in writing for such publications as Practical Horseman, Equus, and the Northeast Horseman’s Journal.